Golden Bears Narrowly Outscored by Ducks in Fierce Conference Game
The California Golden Bears faced a challenging contest against the Oregon Ducks, concluding with a score of 73-80. The Golden Bears now stand with their season record at 0-1, while the Ducks have started their season at 1-0.
In an intense matchup at Matthew Knight Arena, the California Golden Bears showcased a robust offensive effort but fell short against the Oregon Ducks. The first half was particularly strong for the Golden Bears, scoring 43 points to the Ducks' 39. However, momentum shifted after halftime as they added only 30 more points to their tally compared to Oregon's 41.
California's shooting from within the arc was impressive with a conversion rate of 56 percent on two-point attempts. They also dominated in points in the paint with a total of 34, reflecting their ability to penetrate Oregon's defense effectively. Despite this advantage, three-point shots were not falling for California as they managed just six out of twenty-four attempts resulting in a mere 25 percent success rate from beyond the arc.
Defensively, both teams were almost neck and neck; however, Oregon had an edge with five blocks compared to California's one block throughout the game. Rebounding was another area where both teams performed similarly; yet again, it was slightly better for California who gathered thirty-three rebounds over Oregon’s thirty-one.
The assists-turnover ratio stood out for both teams; while California had an assists-turnover ratio of approximately two (9 assists and five turnovers), it wasn't enough against Oregon’s higher ratio of nearly three (11 assists and four turnovers). Moreover, personal fouls committed by California amounted to eighteen which might have disrupted their flow during crucial moments.
Looking ahead after this tough loss on enemy territory, fans can look forward to seeing how their team will bounce back in upcoming games. The next opportunity will be when they host Washington Huskies at Haas Pavilion on January 18th at 6:00 PM Pacific Time. This game will be broadcasted live on Pac-12 Network for fans unable or unwilling to miss any action from Berkeley’s home court advantage.